'Skyhook' and other CIA spyware

October 16, 2012 4:38 PM

Photo: Central Intelligence Agency

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Scooping officers off the ground with a passing airplane wasn't just the stuff of James Bond movies. In the 1950s, the Central Intelligence Agency developed "Skyhook," a system in which an officer on the ground would use a helium balloon to lift a 500-foot cable into the air, strap himself to a harness connected to the other end of the cable, and sit with the wind to his back and arms crossed. A low-flying, slow-moving plane, such as a B-17, would snag the cable with steel wire-catching horns on its nose, sweeping the person off the ground, and then winch the person in. "Seven Days in the Arctic," a painting by Keith Woodcock, illustrates a May 1962 operation in which the CIA used the Skyhook system to extract officers and materials from an abandoned Soviet ice station that was suspected to have monitored American submarines. The painting hangs in the agency’s Intelligence Art Gallery. less

Scooping officers off the ground with a passing airplane wasn't just the stuff of James Bond movies. In the 1950s, the Central Intelligence Agency developed "Skyhook," a system in which an officer on the ground ... more

Photo: Central Intelligence Agency

Scooping officers off the ground with a passing airplane... Photo-3601280.50854 - seattlepi.com

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Last week, the CIA Museum added this Skyhook instruction card to its collection.

Last week, the CIA Museum added this Skyhook instruction card to its collection.

The rest of the instructions. Click on for pictures of other spyware in the CIA Museum's collection from World War II through Afghanistan.

The rest of the instructions. Click on for pictures of other spyware in the CIA Museum's collection from World War II through Afghanistan.

Photo: Central Intelligence Agency

The rest of the instructions. Click on for pictures of other... Photo-3601282.50854 - seattlepi.com

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A false German ID card produced for William J. Donovan who was the director of the U.S. Office of Strategic Services, an intelligence agency formed during World War II. The OSS was the predecessor to the CIA.

A false German ID card produced for William J. Donovan who was the director of the U.S. Office of Strategic Services, an intelligence agency formed during World War II. The OSS was the predecessor to the CIA.

Photo: Central Intelligence Agency

A false German ID card produced for William J. Donovan who was the... Photo-3601409.50854 - seattlepi.com

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During World War II, the Germans used the Enigma cipher machine, whose settings offered 150,000,000,000,000,000,000 possible solutions. The machine was developed in the Netherlands to communicate banking secrets. The Germans bought the patent in 1923 for intelligence purposes. Polish intelligence officers bought an Enigma at a trade fair and got a codebook from a French agent. They turned the materials over to the Allies after Poland was overrun in 1939. The British broke the code and, by end of the war, were reading 10 percent of all German Enigma communications at Bletchley Park, in England, on the world’s first electromagnetic computers. This is a three-rotor Enigma. The Germans eventually added two more rotors, and with each change, Allies had to obtain a new machine and codebooks. less

During World War II, the Germans used the Enigma cipher machine, whose settings offered 150,000,000,000,000,000,000 possible solutions. The machine was developed in the Netherlands to communicate banking ... more

Photo: Central Intelligence Agency

During World War II, the Germans used the Enigma cipher machine,... Photo-3601372.50854 - seattlepi.com

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The M-209 is a mechanical cipher device designed that the U.S. Army used extensively during World War II. The compact device used a series of rotors to encode and decode secret military messages.

The M-209 is a mechanical cipher device designed that the U.S. Army used extensively during World War II. The compact device used a series of rotors to encode and decode secret military messages.

Photo: Central Intelligence Agency

The M-209 is a mechanical cipher device designed that the U.S. Army... Photo-3601352.50854 - seattlepi.com

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One-time pads are used to for coded communications. They are issued in matching sets of two: one pad of sheets for the encoder and a matching pad for the decoder. No two sets and no two sheets within a set are alike. Each sheet contains a random key using five-digit groups. Once a sheet has been used to encode a message, it is torn off the pad and destroyed. less

One-time pads are used to for coded communications. They are issued in matching sets of two: one pad of sheets for the encoder and a matching pad for the decoder. No two sets and no two sheets within a set are ... more

Photo: Central Intelligence Agency

One-time pads are used to for coded communications. They are issued... Photo-3601401.50854 - seattlepi.com

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Richard Helms, an officer with the U.S. Office of Strategic Services, wrote this letter to his young son on a captured sheet of Adolf Hitler’s personal stationery on V-E (Victory in Europe) Day, May 8, 1945. Helms would later become Director of Central Intelligence and, after refusing President Richard Nixon's request for him to resign, agreed to become U.S. ambassador to Iran. less

Richard Helms, an officer with the U.S. Office of Strategic Services, wrote this letter to his young son on a captured sheet of Adolf Hitler’s personal stationery on V-E (Victory in Europe) Day, May 8, 1945. ... more

Photo: Central Intelligence Agency

Richard Helms, an officer with the U.S. Office of Strategic... Photo-3601315.50854 - seattlepi.com

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caltrop are used to puncture tires. No matter how it is tossed, it will land with one of its four prongs up. caltrops have been found in Babylonian tombs, were used against medieval knights on horseback and were found in archaeological digs at Jamestown, Va. less

caltrop are used to puncture tires. No matter how it is tossed, it will land with one of its four prongs up. caltrops have been found in Babylonian tombs, were used against medieval knights on horseback and ... more

Photo: Central Intelligence Agency

caltrop are used to puncture tires. No matter how it is tossed, it... Photo-3601421.50854 - seattlepi.com

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The Fairbairn-Sykes fighting knife, introduced in 1941, is named after its two British designers, Captains W. E. Fairbairn and E. A. Sykes. While serving with the Shanghai Police, they gained experience in close-combat fighting. Fairbairn and Sykes designed the weapon for striking at vulnerable parts of an opponent’s body, especially the vital organs. Because of its effectiveness, the knife quickly became a favorite of British commandos. Fairbairn was later loaned to the Office of Strategic Services as an instructor. While with OSS, he created a special version of the knife for them. Successor versions of the weapon were made well into the 1990s. less

The Fairbairn-Sykes fighting knife, introduced in 1941, is named after its two British designers, Captains W. E. Fairbairn and E. A. Sykes. While serving with the Shanghai Police, they gained experience in ... more

Machetes are useful for cutting through the dense jungles of Southeast Asia. Its lengthy blade also works against enemies. OSS acquired machetes with blades between 18 and 22 inches long.

Machetes are useful for cutting through the dense jungles of Southeast Asia. Its lengthy blade also works against enemies. OSS acquired machetes with blades between 18 and 22 inches long.

Photo: Central Intelligence Agency

Machetes are useful for cutting through the dense jungles of... Photo-3601391.50854 - seattlepi.com

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The Woodsman's Pak was an essential part of the survival kit for American forces in the Philippines, China, and Burma. It was ideal for cutting through jungle brush and came with instructions for use against a Japanese soldier armed with a samurai sword. less

The Woodsman's Pak was an essential part of the survival kit for American forces in the Philippines, China, and Burma. It was ideal for cutting through jungle brush and came with instructions for use against a ... more

Photo: Central Intelligence Agency

The Woodsman's Pak was an essential part of the survival kit... Photo-3601390.50854 - seattlepi.com

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A member of an Office of Strategic Services team carried this on his first mission as he parachuted into Nazi-occupied France as part of Operation Jedburgh, in which Allied troops conducted sabotage and guerilla warfare. less

A member of an Office of Strategic Services team carried this on his first mission as he parachuted into Nazi-occupied France as part of Operation Jedburgh, in which Allied troops conducted sabotage and ... more

Photo: Central Intelligence Agency

A member of an Office of Strategic Services team carried this on... Photo-3601388.50854 - seattlepi.com

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This compass was used by an Office of Strategic Services officer who served with OSS Detachment 202 in the China-Burma-India Theater during World War II. After first commanding an OSS base at Kunming, China, he established a new tactical OSS unit that recruited, trained, supplied, and directed numerous guerillas and intelligence operatives north of the Yangtze River. His teams destroyed two spans of the Yellow River Bridge and cut the Peking-Hankow Railroad in numerous locations. less

This compass was used by an Office of Strategic Services officer who served with OSS Detachment 202 in the China-Burma-India Theater during World War II. After first commanding an OSS base at Kunming, China, he ... more

Photo: Central Intelligence Agency

This compass was used by an Office of Strategic Services officer... Photo-3601393.50854 - seattlepi.com

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U.S. Military forces have used this basic Lensatic compass since the 1950s with only minor modifications. With its olive-drab aluminum case, sighting wire, magnifying eyepiece, and luminous dial, the compass enables the user to determine magnetic azimuths within an accuracy of 2 degrees. The folding scaled straightedge facilitates map orientation and line-of-sight plotting. less

U.S. Military forces have used this basic Lensatic compass since the 1950s with only minor modifications. With its olive-drab aluminum case, sighting wire, magnifying eyepiece, and luminous dial, the compass ... more

Photo: Central Intelligence Agency

U.S. Military forces have used this basic Lensatic compass since... Photo-3601394.50854 - seattlepi.com

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This Office of Strategic Services Silk escape and evasion map was printed on silk, which is durable, doesn’t rustle at night and can be folded up very compactly to be more easily concealed. It is printed with waterproof dyes so the colors would not run if it got wet. less

This Office of Strategic Services Silk escape and evasion map was printed on silk, which is durable, doesn’t rustle at night and can be folded up very compactly to be more easily concealed. It is printed with ... more

Officers carry Blood chits to request aid from people in enemy
territory. They promise a reward to anyone helping the
person to safety. This silk blood chit was issued for use by the Office of Strategic Services in the China-Burma-India Theater. It says, in several languages: “This foreign person (American) has come to China to help the war effort. Soldiers and civilians, one and all, should save and protect him.” less

Officers carry Blood chits to request aid from people in enemy
territory. They promise a reward to anyone helping the
person to safety. This silk blood chit was issued for use by the Office of Strategic ... more

This blood chit is made of waterproof Tyvek for use in Afghanistan. Photo-3601355.50854 - seattlepi.com

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An escape and evasion survival kit designed for use by special operations personnel. It contains such tools as a diamond wire to cut metal, fishing equipment, a ceramic blade, a can opener, lock picks and a mini-Leatherman tool. less

An escape and evasion survival kit designed for use by special operations personnel. It contains such tools as a diamond wire to cut metal, fishing equipment, a ceramic blade, a can opener, lock picks and a ... more

Photo: Central Intelligence Agency

An escape and evasion survival kit designed for use by special... Photo-3601381.50854 - seattlepi.com

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The Eastman Kodak Company developed this camera for use by the Office of Strategic Services. It was made in the shape of a matchbox of the time and could be disguised by adding a label appropriate for the country in which it was to be used. Resistance personnel used it in World War II for target recording and propaganda photography. less

The Eastman Kodak Company developed this camera for use by the Office of Strategic Services. It was made in the shape of a matchbox of the time and could be disguised by adding a label appropriate for the ... more

Photo: Central Intelligence Agency

The Eastman Kodak Company developed this camera for use by the... Photo-3601332.50854 - seattlepi.com

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In 1936, Latvian engineer Walter Zapp developed the Minox subminiature camera, which fit easily into the palm of the hand and took high-quality, spontaneous pictures. It was the world's most widely used spy camera. This is a Minox B, produced from 1958 to 1972. It measured 3.9 inches by 1.1 inches by 0.6 inches. The Minox C, introduced in 1969, featured an electronic shutter. Convicted KGB spy John A. Walker, Jr., used a Minox C to photograph sensitive National Security Agency codes. less

In 1936, Latvian engineer Walter Zapp developed the Minox subminiature camera, which fit easily into the palm of the hand and took high-quality, spontaneous pictures. It was the world's most widely used spy ... more

The CIA developed this camera small and light enough to be carried by a pigeon. After being released, the bird would fly over a target on its return home. Pigeon pictures were taken within hundreds of feet of the target so it was much more detailed than imagery from airplanes and satellites. The camera could be set to take photographs at a set interval, starting after release or a pre-set delay. A tiny, battery-powered motor advanced the film and cocked the shutter. Details of pigeon missions are still classified. less

The CIA developed this camera small and light enough to be carried by a pigeon. After being released, the bird would fly over a target on its return home. Pigeon pictures were taken within hundreds of feet of ... more

Photo: Central Intelligence Agency

The CIA developed this camera small and light enough to be carried... Photo-3601331.50854 - seattlepi.com

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During World War II, Allied photographic interpreters used the stereoscope to get three-dimensional views of stereo pairs of images taken by airplane-mounted cameras.

During World War II, Allied photographic interpreters used the stereoscope to get three-dimensional views of stereo pairs of images taken by airplane-mounted cameras.

Photo: Central Intelligence Agency

During World War II, Allied photographic interpreters used the... Photo-3601336.50854 - seattlepi.com

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The Dynazoom was a state-of-the-art device for stereo viewing of satellite and aircraft film in the 1960s and 1970s. It optically couples two commercial microscopes capable of magnifications up to 300 times.

The Dynazoom was a state-of-the-art device for stereo viewing of satellite and aircraft film in the 1960s and 1970s. It optically couples two commercial microscopes capable of magnifications up to 300 times.

Photo: Central Intelligence Agency

The Dynazoom was a state-of-the-art device for stereo viewing of... Photo-3601337.50854 - seattlepi.com

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During World War II, the Office of Strategic Services used this special pincer device to take letters from their envelopes without opening the seals. By inserting it into the unsealed gap at the top of an envelope flap, a snooper could wind the letter around the pincers and extract it. less

During World War II, the Office of Strategic Services used this special pincer device to take letters from their envelopes without opening the seals. By inserting it into the unsealed gap at the top of an ... more

Photo: Central Intelligence Agency

During World War II, the Office of Strategic Services used this... Photo-3601327.50854 - seattlepi.com

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This “flaps and seals” kit for advanced users contains handmade tools used to surreptitiously open letters and packages during the 1960s.

This “flaps and seals” kit for advanced users contains handmade tools used to surreptitiously open letters and packages during the 1960s.

The CIA designed and manufactured this two-man semi-submersible in the 1950s. The 19-foot-long craft was made of wood and aluminum, with plywood sheathing on the bottom, sides, and deck, making sonar or radar detection unlikely. When running in the "deck awash" position, it was almost impossible to see. less

The CIA designed and manufactured this two-man semi-submersible in the 1950s. The 19-foot-long craft was made of wood and aluminum, with plywood sheathing on the bottom, sides, and deck, making sonar or radar ... more

Photo: Central Intelligence Agency

The CIA designed and manufactured this two-man semi-submersible in... Photo-3601378.50854 - seattlepi.com

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The CIA had two sets of cufflinks made for operations officer George Kisevalter to use as a recognition signal with Maj. Petr Semenovich Popov, the agency’s first major postwar Soviet source of positive intelligence information. One set was kept at CIA Headquarters. The other was sent to Popov. less

The CIA had two sets of cufflinks made for operations officer George Kisevalter to use as a recognition signal with Maj. Petr Semenovich Popov, the agency’s first major postwar Soviet source of positive ... more

Photo: Central Intelligence Agency

The CIA had two sets of cufflinks made for operations officer... Photo-3601406.50854 - seattlepi.com

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This face Eisenhower silver dollar was used to hide messages or film so they could be sent secretly.

This face Eisenhower silver dollar was used to hide messages or film so they could be sent secretly.

The CIA used the “Belly Buster” drill during the late 1950s and early 1960s to drill holes into masonry for implanting audio devices. After assembly, the base of the drill was held firmly against the stomach while the handle was cranked manually. less

The CIA used the “Belly Buster” drill during the late 1950s and early 1960s to drill holes into masonry for implanting audio devices. After assembly, the base of the drill was held firmly against the ... more

Photo: Central Intelligence Agency

The CIA used the “Belly Buster” drill during the late 1950s and... Photo-3601392.50854 - seattlepi.com

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These cufflinks concealed a compass that officers could use if needed for escape and evasion from hostile territory.

These cufflinks concealed a compass that officers could use if needed for escape and evasion from hostile territory.

Photo: Central Intelligence Agency

These cufflinks concealed a compass that officers could use if... Photo-3601312.50854 - seattlepi.com

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A “dead” drop allows agents and their handlers to exchange material without meeting in person. This device is a hollow spike that one could push into the ground.

A “dead” drop allows agents and their handlers to exchange material without meeting in person. This device is a hollow spike that one could push into the ground.

Photo: Central Intelligence Agency

A “dead” drop allows agents and their handlers to exchange... Photo-3601360.50854 - seattlepi.com

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These Cold War-era intrusion detectors were designed to blend in with the terrain. They can detect movement of people, animals or objects up to 1,000 yards away, are powered by tiny power cells and have built-in antennae that send data via coded impulses. less

These Cold War-era intrusion detectors were designed to blend in with the terrain. They can detect movement of people, animals or objects up to 1,000 yards away, are powered by tiny power cells and have ... more

Photo: Central Intelligence Agency

These Cold War-era intrusion detectors were designed to blend in... Photo-3601311.50854 - seattlepi.com

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A tiny radio receiver is concealed in this modified pipe. The user hears the sound via "bone conduction" from the jaw to the ear canal.

A tiny radio receiver is concealed in this modified pipe. The user hears the sound via "bone conduction" from the jaw to the ear canal.

Photo: Central Intelligence Agency

A tiny radio receiver is concealed in this modified pipe. The user... Photo-3601322.50854 - seattlepi.com

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A lady's makeup compact containing a code in the mirror. By tilting the mirror at the correct angle, the code is revealed.

A lady's makeup compact containing a code in the mirror. By tilting the mirror at the correct angle, the code is revealed.

A disguise-specialist applicant sculpted this test ear as part of the CIA's screening process.

A disguise-specialist applicant sculpted this test ear as part of the CIA's screening process.

Photo: Central Intelligence Agency

A disguise-specialist applicant sculpted this test ear as part of... Photo-3601333.50854 - seattlepi.com

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The CIA covertly published this Russian-language edition of Boris Pasternak's novel "Doctor Zhivago," a love story set against the backdrop of the Soviet Revolution. The Nobel Prize committee needed to read the text as it was originally written, but Soviet authorities refused to publish the book, which they considered “a malicious libel of the USSR.” Pasternak won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1958. Pasternak initially accepted the prize, but the Soviet government soon forced him to decline. less

The CIA covertly published this Russian-language edition of Boris Pasternak's novel "Doctor Zhivago," a love story set against the backdrop of the Soviet Revolution. The Nobel Prize committee needed to read the ... more

Photo: Central Intelligence Agency

The CIA covertly published this Russian-language edition of Boris... Photo-3601316.50854 - seattlepi.com

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This is a souvenir given to guests on the Mandarin Jet of Civil Air Transport, an airline started in China after World War II and secretly purchased by the CIA in August 1950. After the purchase, the airline continued commercial operations, while also providing airplanes and crews for secret intelligence operations. The card says: “This is one of the famous Oriental symbols of CAT (Civil Air Transport) – the five-toed dragon. In olden days only the emperor could wear this symbol; those of lesser rank wore dragons with fewer toes. We like to think that all of our passengers on CAT’s colorful Mandarin Jet – truly a flying Oriental Palace – receive hospitality and cordiality befitting an emperor and his Lady.” less

This is a souvenir given to guests on the Mandarin Jet of Civil Air Transport, an airline started in China after World War II and secretly purchased by the CIA in August 1950. After the purchase, the airline ... more

Photo: Central Intelligence Agency

This is a souvenir given to guests on the Mandarin Jet of Civil Air... Photo-3601325.50854 - seattlepi.com

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Because of the tropical climate, Air America pilots favored comfortable attire – including shorts and a baseball cap – to their official uniforms.

Because of the tropical climate, Air America pilots favored comfortable attire – including shorts and a baseball cap – to their official uniforms.

Photo: Central Intelligence Agency

Because of the tropical climate, Air America pilots favored... Photo-3601296.50854 - seattlepi.com

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A detail from the gate of the Air America compound. During the Vietnam War, CIA-owned Air America conducted undercover CIA operations and overt transportation flights for the Republic of Vietnam and various U.S. government agencies. less

A detail from the gate of the Air America compound. During the Vietnam War, CIA-owned Air America conducted undercover CIA operations and overt transportation flights for the Republic of Vietnam and various ... more

Photo: Central Intelligence Agency

A detail from the gate of the Air America compound. During the... Photo-3601288.50854 - seattlepi.com

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CIA technicians invented and used this "Elephant Counter" in the 1960s to count people and supplies moving down the Ho Chi Minh Trail from North Vietnam to South Vietnam along the borders of Laos and Cambodia. Many of the Laotian trail watchers whom CIA recruited could not read or write, let alone understand English. So the device featured pictograms representing troops, trucks, motorcycles, carts, bicycles, tanks, cannons, small artillery, missiles, donkeys and the occasional elephant, a common beast of burden in Laos. A toggle switch sent data to an airplane. less

CIA technicians invented and used this "Elephant Counter" in the 1960s to count people and supplies moving down the Ho Chi Minh Trail from North Vietnam to South Vietnam along the borders of Laos and Cambodia. ... more

A map showing the locations of the CIA's 14 emergency assembly sites in Saigon, for evacuation of the South Vietnamese capital under operation "Frequent Wind." The CIA and its covert air arm, Air America, were fully integrated into the plan. The U.S. evacuated more than 7,000 people from Saigon on April 29 and 30, 1975, as the city fell to the North Vietnamese Army. less

A map showing the locations of the CIA's 14 emergency assembly sites in Saigon, for evacuation of the South Vietnamese capital under operation "Frequent Wind." The CIA and its covert air arm, Air America, were ... more

An S-1010 pressure suit for a U-2R spy plane. At altitudes above 63,000 feet without artificial air pressure, human blood and other fluids boil. Pressure suits prevented this in the event of cockpit depressurization and protected pilots from low temperatures that reached about minus 70 degrees at U-2 mission altitudes. If the pilot had to eject, he would free fall for two to three minutes before parachute deployment. The suit also provided flotation for a water landing. The helmet includes a one-way exhalation valve near the right cheek, allowing breath to pass from a section over the eyes, nose, mouth and chin to a second compartment housing the rest of the head. The pilot could ingest liquid and paste food through a feeding port in the front of the helmet. less

An S-1010 pressure suit for a U-2R spy plane. At altitudes above 63,000 feet without artificial air pressure, human blood and other fluids boil. Pressure suits prevented this in the event of cockpit ... more

A-12 spyplane pilots wore protective pressure suit with thermal insulation, pressure control, cooling, a life support system, and protection from heat radiating through the windshield and from cold and low pressure in the event of a high-altitude bailout. To reduce the weight of the plane, aircraft contractor Lockheed did not even try to insulate the aircraft’s interior, leaving that role to the suit. Each suit was custom made at a cost of $30,000 in the mid 1960s. less

A-12 spyplane pilots wore protective pressure suit with thermal insulation, pressure control, cooling, a life support system, and protection from heat radiating through the windshield and from cold and low ... more

A film canister from CORONA, America’s first successful photographic reconnaissance satellite. CORONA’s first mission in August 1960 provided more photographic coverage of the Soviet Union than all previous U-2 aircraft missions. less

A film canister from CORONA, America’s first successful photographic reconnaissance satellite. CORONA’s first mission in August 1960 provided more photographic coverage of the Soviet Union than all previous ... more

Photo: Central Intelligence Agency

A film canister from CORONA, America’s first successful... Photo-3601300.50854 - seattlepi.com

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When Soviet Lt. Viktor I. Belenko defected in a MiG‑25 Foxbat fighter to Japan on Sept. 6, 1976, he carried two personal items: this knee-pad notebook with flight data and a military identity document. The Japanese Government returned the MiG to the Soviet Union disassembled, in 30 crates. Belenko accepted asylum in the United States, went through months of debriefings and became an American citizen by an act of Congress when President Jimmy Carter signed a private bill into law. He settled on a ranch in Wyoming, went hiking and fishing with fighter ace and test pilot Chuck Yeager, and cooperated with author John Barron to produce a biography, "MiG Pilot, The Final Escape of Lieutenant Belenko," published in 1980. less

When Soviet Lt. Viktor I. Belenko defected in a MiG‑25 Foxbat fighter to Japan on Sept. 6, 1976, he carried two personal items: this knee-pad notebook with flight data and a military identity document. The ... more

When Soviet Lt. Viktor I. Belenko defected in a MiG‑25 Foxbat fighter to Japan on Sept. 6, 1976, he carried two personal items: this military identity document and a knee-pad notebook with flight data. The Japanese Government returned the MiG to the Soviet Union disassembled, in 30 crates. Belenko accepted asylum in the United States, went through months of debriefings and became an American citizen by an act of Congress when President Jimmy Carter signed a private bill into law. He settled on a ranch in Wyoming, went hiking and fishing with fighter ace and test pilot Chuck Yeager, and cooperated with author John Barron to produce a biography, "MiG Pilot, The Final Escape of Lieutenant Belenko," published in 1980. less

When Soviet Lt. Viktor I. Belenko defected in a MiG‑25 Foxbat fighter to Japan on Sept. 6, 1976, he carried two personal items: this military identity document and a knee-pad notebook with flight data. The ... more

To rescue six American diplomats who evaded capture during the seizure of the United States embassy in Tehran, Iran, on Nov. 4, 1979, CIA technical specialists created a fake Hollywood company, “Studio Six Productions,” and concocted a story about scouting locations for a new movie, "Argo." Officers entered Iran and brought out the diplomats with disguises and documents declaring them Canadian members of the production team. less

To rescue six American diplomats who evaded capture during the seizure of the United States embassy in Tehran, Iran, on Nov. 4, 1979, CIA technical specialists created a fake Hollywood company, “Studio Six ... more

Photo: Central Intelligence Agency

To rescue six American diplomats who evaded capture during the... Photo-3601344.50854 - seattlepi.com

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The CIA developed Insectothopter in the 1970s. This insect-sized vehicle was intended to prove the concept of such miniaturized platforms for intelligence collection. Insectothopter had a miniature engine to move the wings up and down. A small amount of gas was used to drive the engine, and the excess was vented out the rear for extra thrust. While flight tests were impressive, control in any kind of crosswind proved too difficult. less

The CIA developed Insectothopter in the 1970s. This insect-sized vehicle was intended to prove the concept of such miniaturized platforms for intelligence collection. Insectothopter had a miniature engine to ... more

Photo: Central Intelligence Agency

The CIA developed Insectothopter in the 1970s. This insect-sized... Photo-3601338.50854 - seattlepi.com

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The CIA developed the unmanned underwater vehicle fish "Charlie" to study aquatic robot technology. It contains a pressure hull, ballast system and communications system in the body, and a propulsion system in the tail. It is controlled by a wireless line-of-sight radio handset. less

The CIA developed the unmanned underwater vehicle fish "Charlie" to study aquatic robot technology. It contains a pressure hull, ballast system and communications system in the body, and a propulsion system in ... more

The U.S. stopped construction of a new embassy in Moscow in 1985 because the structure was irreparably riddled with Soviet spy gear. The spy equipment included this “gap-jumping antenna” removed from one of the preformed concrete columns in the building. It coupled magnetically with a matching antenna in the adjacent column, allowing data to be transmitted without a physical electrical connection. less

The U.S. stopped construction of a new embassy in Moscow in 1985 because the structure was irreparably riddled with Soviet spy gear. The spy equipment included this “gap-jumping antenna” removed from one of ... more

Photo: Central Intelligence Agency

The U.S. stopped construction of a new embassy in Moscow in 1985... Photo-3601306.50854 - seattlepi.com

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This gold- and silver-plated connector was an integral part of the collection system at the U.S. embassy office building in Moscow. It was apparently placed near the top of a column in a dense rebar cage where items that reflected X-rays masked its location. less

This gold- and silver-plated connector was an integral part of the collection system at the U.S. embassy office building in Moscow. It was apparently placed near the top of a column in a dense rebar cage where ... more

Photo: Central Intelligence Agency

This gold- and silver-plated connector was an integral part of the... Photo-3601304.50854 - seattlepi.com

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This is one of the last U.S. flags to fly over "Checkpoint Charlie," the iconic Cold War outpost between East and West Berlin. The checkpoint was built into the Berlin Wall, which East Germany erected in 1961 to keep its citizens from escaping to the West. The eastern side eventually expanded to include watchtowers, sheds and zigzag barriers. The western side had a small wooden guardhouse and a sign proclaiming, “You Are Leaving the American Sector.” less

This is one of the last U.S. flags to fly over "Checkpoint Charlie," the iconic Cold War outpost between East and West Berlin. The checkpoint was built into the Berlin Wall, which East Germany erected in 1961 ... more

Photo: Central Intelligence Agency

This is one of the last U.S. flags to fly over "Checkpoint... Photo-3601314.50854 - seattlepi.com

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These CIA-produced leaflets were used during the Persian Gulf War. Copies of the leaflets were dropped over a selected area before an Allied bombing run, giving civilians time to evacuate and encouraging military units to surrender. less

These CIA-produced leaflets were used during the Persian Gulf War. Copies of the leaflets were dropped over a selected area before an Allied bombing run, giving civilians time to evacuate and encouraging ... more

Photo: Central Intelligence Agency

These CIA-produced leaflets were used during the Persian Gulf War.... Photo-3601377.50854 - seattlepi.com

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U.S. Special Operations forces in Afghanistan used the AN/PEQ-1A laser marker to direct exact delivery of ordnance. It an important tool in the battle for Tora Bora, where a CIA‑Special Forces team directed 72 hours of unrelenting air strikes -- sometimes dangerously close to their own position -- killing hundreds of al‑Qa’ida terrorists. less

U.S. Special Operations forces in Afghanistan used the AN/PEQ-1A laser marker to direct exact delivery of ordnance. It an important tool in the battle for Tora Bora, where a CIA‑Special Forces team directed ... more

Photo: Central Intelligence Agency

U.S. Special Operations forces in Afghanistan used the AN/PEQ-1A... Photo-3601425.50854 - seattlepi.com

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The PRC-112B1 is a hand-held survival radio providing line-of-sight voice, text and data communications. A Global Positioning System receiver, also allows it to transmit the user’s location. This unit was used as a survival radio during CIA operations in Afghanistan. less

The PRC-112B1 is a hand-held survival radio providing line-of-sight voice, text and data communications. A Global Positioning System receiver, also allows it to transmit the user’s location. This unit was ... more

Photo: Central Intelligence Agency

The PRC-112B1 is a hand-held survival radio providing line-of-sight... Photo-3601349.50854 - seattlepi.com

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In 2001, U.S. intelligence officers picked up this al Qaida training manual outside Kandahar, Afghanistan while searching the ruins of a suspected chemical processing site. U.S. ordnance that damaged the site caused the handbook’s burn marks. The manual includes instructions for firing Stinger missiles. less

In 2001, U.S. intelligence officers picked up this al Qaida training manual outside Kandahar, Afghanistan while searching the ruins of a suspected chemical processing site. U.S. ordnance that damaged the site ... more

Photo: Central Intelligence Agency

In 2001, U.S. intelligence officers picked up this al Qaida... Photo-3601418.50854 - seattlepi.com

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Joint CIA and U.S. military special forces teams inserted into Afghanistan after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks turned to horses to navigate the challenging local terrain. A CIA communications officer obtained this saddle for the CIA Museum with the assistance of an Afghan colleague who was killed a month later. less

Joint CIA and U.S. military special forces teams inserted into Afghanistan after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks turned to horses to navigate the challenging local terrain. A CIA communications officer obtained this ... more

Photo: Central Intelligence Agency

Joint CIA and U.S. military special forces teams inserted into... Photo-3601374.50854 - seattlepi.com

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A CIA medic used this multi-purpose tool in Afghanistan to perform surgical procedures, including three lower-leg amputations.

A CIA medic used this multi-purpose tool in Afghanistan to perform surgical procedures, including three lower-leg amputations.

Photo: Central Intelligence Agency

A CIA medic used this multi-purpose tool in Afghanistan to perform... Photo-3601348.50854 - seattlepi.com

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In December 2001 a team of CIA officers used this tool to uncover a 2,400-pound improvised explosive device buried in the dirt-covered roof of the governor’s palace at Kandahar, Afghanistan just minutes before it was set to detonate. less

In December 2001 a team of CIA officers used this tool to uncover a 2,400-pound improvised explosive device buried in the dirt-covered roof of the governor’s palace at Kandahar, Afghanistan just minutes ... more

Photo: Central Intelligence Agency

In December 2001 a team of CIA officers used this tool to uncover a... Photo-3601350.50854 - seattlepi.com